Tuesday, May 20, 2008

I have never been great at giving gifts. The tangible too often falls short in translation. I often wish I could hand someone a sunset I once viewed so that the memory could encompass the gradients of their life. I can rarely afford Cashmere or Apple products nor do I really know jewelry. Giving CD’s always felt like work and I have yet to become the crafty man I imagine I will soon be from all the Homes & Gardens and Wallpaper’s which have indulged my spare time. My default is usually food; a home cooked meal or a dinner out that doesn’t make others in attendance wince too hard at the always too expensive collective bill.

A few months back I began a strange ritual of bagging sliced fruit and herbs to go to dinner parties and events. The idea was simple, play bartender from the sidelines. For no additional cost I can prance around the room and perfume everyone’s cocktail. A sprig of Rosemary, Grapefruit segments, torn Basil leaves etc. With such little effort Life is sweet and fragrant!

So here I was, yet again with no gift, nor a clue as I inched towards my friends Birthday. I had recalled giving her a simple bouquet of flowers a few years back that she claimed lasted a whole month. I didn’t want to repeat that gift; I wanted to transcend it. The herb bouquet was born. More perishable yes, but with equal love!

I gathered Mint, Basil, Rosemary, Thyme, Dill, multicolored Swish Chard, Rhubarb and a vibrant Rose for good measure and set off to the Park Florist, my trusted flower haven. The result was the edible house party center piece you see above.

hey michael, congratulations! everything looks great!!! i had so much fun with our rainy day lunch. finally moved! come and visit! looking forward to checking out more yumminess here. thanks for the link!!! and love the random nature-ninja shot!

M* Steady Eats

Mikesteady : Committed

About Me

Music informed my love of food; a passion that has taken exponential control over my life and propelled me to the Mecca, Italia. Proudly born and raised in Brooklyn, NY I am equal parts a renaissance boy and a progressive purist. My professional background has been driven by all variants of Music. Record store slave, proud intern, project manager, A&R, compiler, groupie, promoter/event producer, dancer, Londoner and lifestyle marketing manager. I dangled from the corporate bridge, one hand firmly planted in the pockets of the artists, chefs, vocalists, promoters, managers, producers, DJ’s, florists and photographers who inspire my life while staring down reticently at the ocean of “possibility” controlled by men in suits. My passion for a broader meaning to life and love hoisted me up and informed my next move. Hone in on food; proudly integrate hospitality, nuance, subtext, color, composition and all the senses into my future trajectory. Open a restaurant, sooner than later! Pay dues, cook, accept discomfort and ultimately shine bright!